Chicago, Illinois
Summer Academy Site DirectorAmherst, Massachusetts
Summer Academy Assistant Site DirectorAmherst, Massachusetts
Summer Academy Assistant Site DirectorChicago, Illinois
Our History
Supporting Black Scholars from the Start
Thrive Scholars began as a scholarship program focused on high-achieving low-income Black and African American students in South Central Los Angeles who were the first in their family to go to college. Established in 2001 under the name South Central Scholars (SCS) by philanthropists James and Patricia London, we quickly realized the need for a multi-stage, integrated program of support.
In addition to Black students, SCS soon began supporting Latinx, Indigenous, and other Scholars of color throughout college with scholarships, academic intervention, academic and social-emotional support, and career guidance and networking. Within a few years, we yielded impressive results: 90% of Scholars (many of whom were first-gen) were attending Harvard, Brown, Williams, USC, and other very selective schools were graduating within 6 years.
In 2020, we became Thrive Scholars, reflecting our commitment and dedication to helping our Scholars thrive in college and their chosen careers. Thrive Scholars is rooted in our clear conviction that where talented students of color are concerned, our society needs a new goal, a new way forward.
As we embark on the next stage in our journey — expanding to new cities and growing the number of students we serve — our name speaks to the future and exemplifies the core of our work.
To learn more, please visit https://www.thrivescholars.org/about/our-story/
Where Our Scholars Go
Over 90% of our scholars attend the top 100 colleges in the nation and over 80% attend the top 50 colleges. More than that, over 40% of Thrive Scholars attend Ivy League+ schools.
Graduating from an elite college can directly impact earning potential. Elite colleges offer smaller class sizes, stronger student support services, and better financial aid packages. That means a better learning experience and, for our Scholars, usually little or no college debt upon graduation. Elite colleges are a pipeline to leadership in America, opening doors of opportunity. 49% of corporate leaders and 50% of government leaders graduate from only 12 selective colleges and universities.
To see more visit, https://www.thrivescholars.org/programs/our-model/
Thrive Scholars currently supports over 660 underrepresented students attending high schools and top universities all over the country. Our diverse alumni network consists of over 1,300 Scholars, many of whom still remain active participants in the program.
To learn more, please visit, https://www.thrivescholars.org/scholars/meet-thrive-scholars/
For more news visit
https://www.thrivescholars.org/newsroom/
HOW $5M IS HELPING BLACK STUDENTS PREPARE FOR AND LAND CORPORATE JOBS
NOVEMBER 10, 2022
In 2022, there have been 803 Thrive Scholars, including 307 Black Americans. That means the $5 million raised from corporate sponsors this year helped support those students through high school and college by paying for programs that students are enrolled in.
ACADEMIC BOOT CAMP HELPING UNDERSERVED HIGH SCHOOLERS SEE PATH TO COLLEGE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2022
Scholars spent six weeks in an academic boot camp of sorts at Amherst College. They told Boston 25 News anchor Kerry Kavanaugh what they learned about themselves is just as important to their future success.
Thrive Scholars prepares low-income students for college success
JULY 11, 2022
Leslie Mercedes was the first in her family to attend college in the U.S. She recently graduated from Boston University, where she studied business and marketing. She's now gearing up to start a management program. She credits nonprofit Thrive Scholars.
The mission of Thrive Scholars is to help high-achieving, low-income underrepresented students get into and graduate from top colleges equipped to achieve their full career potential.
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